Mail-bag mechanism



1. A. STARR.

MAIL BAG MECHANISM.

APPLICATION flu-:D Nov..1.3, 1920.

Patented Aug. 8, 1929.

4 SHEETS-SHEE QQ NQQ mu QNQ J. A. STARR.

MAIL BAG MECHANISM.

-APPLICATION man Nov. 13. 1920.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922;

' 4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

J. A. STARR.

MAILBAG MECHANISNI.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. I3, 1920.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

1. A. STARR.

I NIAIL BAG IVIECHANISM. APPLICATION FILED Nov. I3, 1920.

1,42%858. Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

4 sHEET's--SHEET 4.

rre rre.

JOHN A. STARR, or MAYVILLE, WISCONSIN.

MAIL-Bae Meenemen'.

Lacasse.

To all 'whom t may concern.'

Be it lrnown that I, JOHN A; STARR, a citizen of the United States, residing at Mayville, in the county of Dodge andr State of Wisconsin, have invented certain new and` useful Improvements in iMail-Bag Mechanisms, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying dra-wings.

' This invention relates to certain improvements in mail bag mechanisms and has relation more particularly to a combined receiver and support adapted to be positioned adjacent a traclrway in such manner where-y by mail sacks may be refeived` from and supported for delivery to a passing train, and it is an object of the invention' to provide a novel and improved deviceof this general character which embodies two vertically spaced and horizontally swinging arms or cranes which automatically swing from a working position with respect to the trackway into an inoperative position as a result of the impacts created during a transfer of the bags to and from a passing train, whereby movements of the arms or` cranes effectively take up or absorb theforce of the impacts. y

It is also an object of the invention to provide a device of this general character including a swinging or movable craneor arm provided with a receiving cross-head, together with automatically operating means for holding the bag against displacement after being caught or received by the crosshead.

An additional vobject of the invention is to provide a device ofthis general character embodying a swinging or movable arm or crane provided with novel and improved meansy for holding a mail bag 'in a manner whereby the same may be effectively and conveniently transferred to a passing train.

The invention consists .in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the severalfparts of my improved mail bag mechanism whereby certain important advantages are attainedand the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convient and advantageous for use, as will behereinafter more fully set forth.

rlhe novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be thebetj Medikation cf Letters Patent. Pgttmijgd Apdo', 8 @gaga A Application ed November 13, 1920. Serial No. 423,958.

ter understood, l. will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: f

Figure l is a view inside elevation of a mail bag mechanism constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my inven tion, the receiving and supporting crane being shown in working position.

Figure 2 is a view in top plan of the supporting arm or crane as herein embodied.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view in topplan showing the supporting crane or arm in a second or inoperative position.

Figure 4L is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on theline 4me of Figure l, looking in the direction of the arrow.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken longitudinally ofthe outer or free end portion of the supporting arm or cranev with certain of the parts in elevation.

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on the line'6-6 of `Figure `5.

Figure 7 is a vfragmentary view in perspective of the lower or'forlred end ofthe arm depending from thebrace member.

Figure 8 is a. view in top plan of the receiving arm as herein embodied, certain of the parts being in section and said arm being shown in working or operative position.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 with the upper member` of thev arm or crane broken away.

Figure l0 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken through the outer or working end portion ofthe receiving arm or crane. v

Figure 1l is a view partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating the means for automatically swinging the receiving crane or arm into inoperative position.

`Figure l2 is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in section and partly in `elevation illustrating in detail the gripping member as herein disclosed.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating in detail one of the pulleys carried by the receiving arm or crane and illustrating vthe manner whereby the flexible member is attached thereto.

Figure 14; is a view in perspective of the arm withv which the gripping member is operatively engaged, and

Figure l5 is a fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in section illustrating a pair of catches as herein embodied for coaction with the receiving arm or crane.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, 1 denotes a vertically disposed post o-r standard positioned to one side of a trackway and arranged at opposite sides of said post or standard at preferred distances therefrom and alined therewith ina direction substantially at right angles to the trackway, are the supplemental posts or standards 2 of a height materially less than the height of the post or standard 1.

Keyed or otherwise fixed to the upper portion of the post or standard' 1 at a point slightly `below the upper end of said post is a sleeve 3 having a forwardly extending Wing or lug 41 having its upper face flat and flush with the upper end of the sleeve 3. ,The forwardl end of the wing or lug 4 at the transverse center thereof has disposed thereacross the groove or rece'ssva-nd the portions of said forward edge at opposite sides of said groove or recess '5' are inclined outwardly and rearwardly therefrom,as at a, to provide cam faces for a purpose to be hereinafter more particularly referred to.

C denotes a 'supporting crane or arm of rec quired length and which is preferablyv flattened and' coplanar from end to end. Adjacent its rear end portion, the crane or arm C is laterally enlarged to provide a substantially circular bearing 6 provided at its axial center with the opening 7 through which the upper portion of the post or standard 1 extends with said bearing 6 resting upon the upper end of the sleeve 3 and the. corresponding face of the wing or lug 4.

The portion of the post. or standard 1 above the crane or arm C is bifurcated; and extending through the kerf 8 provided by such bifurcation is a plate 9 extending beyond opposite sides of the post or standard 1 and keyed or otherwise heldl` as at l10, in

` applied'position.'y The extended portions of the plate 9 radiate from the post or standard 1 on angles of substantially 150 with respect to the plane of the posts or standards 1 and 2.

The portion of the crane or arm C rearwardly of the bearingl 6 has superimposed thereon a plate 11 provided at its inner end with the transversely spaced upstanding wings or lugs 12 adapted to contact with the extended. portions of the plate 9, the relative position of said wings or lugs 12 with respect to the transverse center of the crane or arm C being such that the contact of said wingsy or lugs 12 with the extended portions of the' plate 9 limits the swinging movement of the crane or arm C within an arc of substantially 90", with said crane or arm C, when in one position, substantially coplanar in a verticaldirection with the alined posts 0r Standards-1 and 2.

The outer end portion of the plate 11 is held to the adjacent end portion of the crane or arm AC by the bolt 14E or the like while the marginal portions of said plate 11 adjacent i the opposite end thereof are provided with the depending lugsv 15 overlying the edges of the crane or arm C. ,l

y B denotes a brace member having'one end portion anchored by the bolt 16 or the like to substantially the central portion of the arm or crane C in advance of the post or standard 1. The brace B has a.v downwardly and rearwardly'inclined portion 17 terminating in the horizontally disposed extension 18. The extension 1S at a point in close proximity to the lower part of the inclinedk portion 17 is provided 'with an opening `19 through which the post or standard -1 is directed while the outer end portion of said extension 19 has bolted or otherwise Ysecured thereto, as at 20, the lower end portion ofv a vertically disposed brace 21.v The upper end portion of this brace 21 is anchored to the adjacent endportion of the crane or arm C by the bolt 14, hereinb-efore referred to, or otherwise as may be preferred'.

Encircling the post gor standard 1 above the extension 18 'of the brace B is a coil spring 22 having its upper end portion anchored to the post or standardjl and its opposite end portion anchored lto vthe brace 21, whereby the spring 22 operates to constantly urge the crane or arm C toward the limit of its movement substantially at right angles to the plane of the alined posts or standards 1 and 2. 'g

23 denotes an upstanding'flat arm carried by the forward end portion of the craneor arm C and provdedkat its lower endwith a foot 24 resting upon said end portion of the crane or arm C, and provided with the lugs 25 overlying the adjacent edges of the crane or arm C. The portion of the arm 28` immediatelyadjacent the foot 24i's provided with a relatively broad and longitudinally direct-- ed slot 26. g 4

The upper portion' of the arm 23 is provided with forwardly `directed and transversely spaced lugs 27 which overlap inwardly' directed and Itransversely spaced lugs 28 carried by the upper portion of a vertically directed arm 29. The upper portions of the arms 23' and 29 are hingedly connected for relative swinging movement in a direction longitudinally of the crane or arm C by the pin 30 directed through said overlap-ping lugs 27 and 28. The connected end portions of the arms 23 and 29 are provided with the upwardly and inwardly directed arcuate arms'81, the free or opposed end portions of which are adaptedto abut to limit the outward swinging movement of the arm 29 with respect to the arm 23. V'I-hezinward swinging movement of the arm 29 with respect to the arm CIK insens 23 is limited by the transversely disposed fingers 82 carried bythe arm 29 substantially midway of its len gth, the free endportions of said fingers "2 contactingwith the arm. 29 andv 2) are held a. The arms 22s against relative lateral swinging movement, and particularly when strain is imposed upon the arm 29, by a pin .freely directed through the central portions of tie arms 423 and 29. l

Slidably disposed through 'and 'supported by the lowerportion of the arm 29 but at a point above the upper face of the arm. or craneC is an end portion of an elongated rod 34 extending inwardly and longitudinally of the arm or crane C. Saidrod S4 outwardly of the arm .29 is provided with an enlargement or head 35 with which the arm 23 contacts when swung or moved outwardly and wherebyoutward endwise movement is imparted to the rod 34.

The rod 34 is freely disposed through a guiding loop or eye 36 comprised in the head of the bolt i6. The inner end portion of the rod 34 is downwardly offset, as at 3.7. said offset portion being freely disposed through a longitudinally ldirected slot'BS provided in the inner end portionfof the crane or arm C. rthe inner end portion fof the rod 34 below the crane or arm Cl is freely directed through adepending guide eye orsleeve 39 carried by the crane or arm C. The inner end portion or extremityV of the rod 34 is adapted to engage within the groove or recess 5 to hold the arm or crane C in working position or in a position whereby the same is substantially coplanar in a vertical direction with the alined posts or standards l and 2. I l,

The rod 34 is adapted to be urged inwardly by a coil spring; 40 .encircling the forward en'd portion of the rod and in terposed between the arm and an cnlargement 41 carried by the rod 34 at al point in relatively7 close proximity to the head 35. The slot 26 in the is such dimensions to readily permit the enlargement 41 to have unobstructed passage therethrough. As herein disclosed`v the enlargement 4l constitutes a nut threaded upon the adjacent end vportion of the rod 34 so that Said enlargement or nut nmy-be adjusted lengthwise of tne rod 8.4 to regulate or vary the tension of the spring` 40 to best comply with the requirements of'pracN tice. f LThe lower end portion Iof the arm29 is continued by a .forwardly directed extension 42 terminating in block er .head 43.; The forward or outer endfportion of the block 48'is provided with a socket 44 in whichis rotatably received a shank45. The shank 45 is provided with an upstanding pin 46 disposed thi'o'ugh.atransverselyfdirected slot 47 'provided in the' upper 'ipor tion of the block or head 43. The outer end portion of the shank is provided with a head 48, herein: disclosed as circular 'in form, and extending outwardly and for# wardly from the lower portion of said Ahead. 48 are the transversely spaced En 'ers rlie outer end portions of the Fingers lil are tied or connected by the cross member 5i.) with which is adapted to be engaged the hook 5l extending outwardly from a ring 52 comprised in a mail bag holder Hl The opposed. faces ofthe fingers 49 in advance of the member 50 are outwardly beveled, as at 53, to facilitate the requisite engagement of the hook 5l with said cross'member 54 denotes an arcuate arm depending from the crane or arm C at a` point inwardly of its outer end, and the upper port-ion. of said arm y54 is provided with an extension 55 underlying said crane or arm C and anchored thereto by the bolt 16, hereinbefore referred to. The side marginal. portions of the extension 55 are provided with thev up.- standing flanges 56 extending over the adjacent edges of the crane orarm C whereby said arm 54 is held against" turning movement about the bolt 16 and thereby maintained in desired position. The curvature of the arm 54 is ldownwardly and forwardly andthe lower end portion of said armi's provided with a longitudinally disposed slot- 57 open at the lower'end of said arm.

Insertable within the slot 57 is aflanged sleeve or collar 58 through which is freely directed the gripping member G. The member G comprises a single strand ofresilien't material bent centrally upon' itself. to pro videv an eye or loop 59 and the elongated arms 60, said arms y6() terminating in the inf wardly facing jaws 6l.l The loop 59 and jaws 6l limit the movement of the gripping member Githrough the sleeve or collar 58 and valso serve to.l hold said grippingmem ber and collar or sleeve normally against complete separation. The natural tendency ofthe arms 6() is to separate so that when the member G is moved inwardly through the sleeve or collar 58, they jawsv6l will effectively engage'the second ring 62 com! prised Vin the holding member H.

Suitably secured to the lo`op` 59 of the gripping member G is an end portion of a retractile member or coil spring 63, the opposite end portion of said member or spring 63 having secured thereto an .end portion of a Horrible member 64 herein disclosedfasv a chain. v

Suitably secured to the forward or under face of the brace B at a point preferably above the lower end portion of the arm 54 is a bracket 55 which rotatably` supportsA a guide pulley 66 lover which passes the fieni-v ble member or chain 64; rfhe bracket .55 has extending forwardly and downwardly therefrom and below the pulley 66y an elongated arm 67 coplanar in a vertical direction with the crane or arm C. The lower or forward endportion of the arm 67 is provided with a fork 68 adapted to have locking engagement with the flexible member or chain 64 to normally hold the gripping member G against outward movement when the jaws 61 thereof have gripping action upon the ring 62. The free end portion of the `fiexible member orchain 64 is provided with a ring 69 or the like to facilitate the desired pull being imposed upon said member or chain 64 andthe free end portion of the member or chain 64 is normally suspended by engagement of said ring 69 withv a `hook 7() extending laterally and upwardly from the brace member B.

The holding member H, hereinbefore referred to, comprises the rings 52 and 62, hereinbefore referred to, and which are tied or connected by the flexible member or strap 71.v The mail bag M has secured thereto at longitudinally spaced points the inwardly facing hook members 72 with which the rings 52 and 62 are engaged and each of said hook members 72 is provided with a holding orlocking tongue 73 whereby the hook members 72 are held against accidental disengagement from their coacting rings 52 and 62. y

Normally, the crane or arm C is in a position extending in the same general direction as the traclway and when a bag is yto be engaged therewith for transfer to a passing train, the large ring 52 has its hook 61 engaged with the cross member 50. The flexible member or chain 64 is disengaged from locking engagement with the fork 68 so that the gripping member G, or morel particularly the jaws 61 thereof, may be properly engaged with thek second hook member 62 and which engagement is maintained by` imposing pull or strain upon the flexible Amember or chain 64. lAs the gripping member G is pulled inwardly, the arms 60 swing one toward the other, resulting in an effective clamping actionof the jaws 61 upon the ring 62. When the de-v sired engagement of the jaws 61 with the ring 62 has been effected; they flexible member or chain 64 is interlocked with the fork 68, whereby said engagement is maintained. As the tram passes with the receiving hook R thereof properly extended, the same passes through and grasps the ring 52 and on account of theyielding movement permitted by the retractile member or spring 63, the gripping member G will move forward sufficient to permit the desired separating movement of the jaws-61 with the consequent release of the ring 62. rlhe receiving hook R also results in a release of the hoolr 51 from the cross member 50.

To facilitate the release or disengagement of the hook 'lyfrom the cross member 50,

such position by the extensions 74 of a coil spring 75 engaging the opposite sides of the upstanding pin 46. The coil spring 75 encircles an upstanding arm 76 carried by the rearportion of thefhead or block 43. The coil spring 75 is held on the arm 76 by the nut 77 threaded on the arm above the spring.

The head or block 46 is also provided with an upstanding lug or finger 78 at a position adjacent a side edge of the slot 47 and at the center thereof and which operates to limit the inward movement 'of the extensions 74 of the spring 75 and whereby it is assured that the pin 46 will be normally maintained in a vertical position, and the 'fingers 49 normally maintained spaced apart in a hori- Zontal direction, as hereinbefore referred to.

After a bag to be transferred to a passing train has been properly applied to the crane or arm C, said crane or arm is swung around into a position vertically coplanar with the alined posts or standards 1 and 2; The weight of the applied mail bag Mresults in a slight inward swinging movement of the arms 29 which place the spring 40 under suficient tension to force the rod 34 inwardly and as the crane or arm C is swungL or moved around into operative or working: position, the inner end portion of the rod 34 will ride over a 'cam face a and automatically seat within the groove or recess 5 whereby the arm or crane C is positively held in its'worling or operative position.

After the applied mail bag M has been transferred to the receiving hook E of the passing train, the resultant expansion of the spring 4() will cause the arm 29 to swing outwardly and during which movement the arm 29 will contact with the enlargement 35 at the adjacent end of the rod 34 and move said yrod 34 sufficiently to release the same from within the groove or recess 5, whereupon the crane or arm C under the influence of the coil spring 22 will be automatically returned to its normal inoperative position or in a position extending in the same. general kdirection as the trackway.

A. denotes a receiving arm or crane pro/- vided at its outer end with a cross member or head 79 extending at substantially equal distances beyond the opposite sides of the arm or crane A. The arm or crane A from the cross member or head 79 to its opposite end embodies vertically spaced members 80 having their forwardportions converging toward the cross member or head 79 with the the rear portions thereof substantially in parallelism.

The parallel portions of the members 8O substantially midway thereof are enlarged transversely, and at substantially the center l about 1350.

of each oif said enlarged portions 81vis an opening 82 deiined by an outstanding bear-l n I cling said bolt and which operates to torce ing sleeve or collar 83 Aand through which the post or standard 1 is directed; and

whereby the arm or crane A. is capable of' swinging movement. inl a horizontal path at a desired point belowl the upper or supporting. crane or arm C. The i-ree end portions of. the parallel portions of the members 80 of the arm or crane are tiedor connected by the bolt 84, and' vsurrounding said bolt 84 and interposed. between said extremitiesv or' the horizontal portions'` of. the members 80 is the spacing sleeve 85.1.

Fixed to the post or standard 11 "between"-v the parallel port-ions of the` members 80 of the arm or crane is a sleeve or collar arranged at the central portion of a hori` Zontally disposed substantially circular plate 87 and which platee atdiametrically opposed points and in adirection longitudinally of the alined posts or standards hand 2. is

provided with'the recesses 88and 89,k fthe' rear recess' 88 being relatively'broad and the torward recess 89A restricted. y The outer side marginal portions ot the recesses88 yand 89 are rounded to merge wit-liwtlie peripheral edge of the plate87 fora purposewhich will hereinafter be clearly understood.

Botatably supported by the forward end portion ot Ythe arm orn crane A and in relatively closerproximity" to the crossinember or head 79is a vertically disposed sha-tt 90v provided at its upper portion and above the top member 80 with substantially 'circular enlargement or head91 provided in its periphery with the circumierentially': spaced notchesor recessesl 92,. said notches or recesses being two'in number and spaced apart Fired to thek shaft' 90v is a pulley 93 provided with the oppositely directed. arcuate arms Wie-haring their inbow edges disposed generally in a direction .toward the cross member or head 79. Each of said arms 94 is of a length. to contact with an outer end portion or .the member or head 79 when a notch or recess 92 is positioned at substantially the transverse .center otv the upper member 80 ot' the arm or craneI A.

.at the transverse center of the upper member 80 or" the arm or crane A inwardly olf the enlargement or head 91 and immediately adjacent thereto is ran upstanding guide loop or eye 975 through which is slidably directed an .endportion ot a locking bolt 96. The opposite or rearend portion ot the bolt 96 is slidably disposed through a block 97 provided at its opposite sides with tion of the bolt 96 is an eXpansible member 102 herein disclosed as a lcoil spring encirper member 80 of the armor crane A and having its lower end" portion pivotally en.-v

vaged with a cross member 105 intersecting i thelower member 80er" the arm or crane this meansa the arm orrmember 10.0

is supported for vertical swinging movementl and theupper vertical movement' ot said member or arm 10.0 is' automatically effected by .theretractile member or .coil spring 107 having one end portion, securedy tor thelde-' pending strip or extension 103'atf a desired point above its pivotal Iconnectionwith(the lower member 80. l I l A. x l' The arm or member 100 is of a length to overlie the enlargement or head; 91 and to he'longitudinally directed slot 106l provided forwardly of the enlargement or head 91.'. f

Said extended portion Z9 'isprovided with a;

longitudinally directed slot 108 throughz which is adapted to extend the upstanding staple 109 carried by the top member 80 and through which staple. k109 above thefportion o ot' the member orarm 100 isadapted to be inserted ay lock 110 or otherlocking means for maintaining the member or arm 100 at the limit ot its downward movement.

vWhen the member or arm is in its downward position, the'iiorward Aend ot the locking or sliding bolt 96 isI constantly urged by the eXpa-nsible `member or spring .102 toward the head orenlargement 9]., whereby said bolt will'contact with the periphery ot said head or enlargement between the recesses or notches 92 and automatically eX- tend into either of said recesses or notches when the shaft 90 has been'rotated to bring` said notch or recess 92 into substantially longitudinal alinement with the bolt 96. i

ioo

notch or recess 92 is brought into this par ticular position when the shaft 90 has been suliiciently rotated lto bring the outer end portion ot an arm 94`substantially into contact with an outer end or extremity ot the cross head or member 79.

Connecting the innerjextremities ol' the parallel portions of the. members 80 oit the a or crane A is a Avertically.disposed jour- .y

nal rod or stationary shaft 111 surrounded by a hub or'sleeve 112 capable of free rotary movement. The lower portion or" the hub or sleeve 112 carries a pulley 113 preferably ot diameter materially greater than the diameter'of the pulley 93 Yhereinbetore re'- secured tothe extended portion of this pin 115 wherebythe member orspring 102 in addition to automatically moving the elongated4 member or arm 100 upwardly serves tonormally maintain the pin 115 at sub-stantially the transverse center of vthe members 8O of the arm or crane A and in advance of the rod or shaft 111. 4 i

W'rapped aroundthe forward pulley 93 isa flexible memberor wire 116. The opposite end portions of theinember or wirer 116 extendrearwardly of the arm or crane A and are securedto the forward end portions of the Vcoil springs 117 The opposite orjinnerend portions 'of the springs 117 are` secured. to end portions of a flexiblemember orwire. 118 which is disposed around the inner pulley 113. and within the recess 11.4

inthe groove of the pulleyv 113 and inwardly of the pin 115 whereby said flexible memi pin 1.15 has radiating therefrom an arm orl ber yoifwire 118 is held against slipping movement aroundthe pulley 113 andl wherebythe springs 117 will be `maintained at a substantially equal tension.

The hub or sleeve 112 diametrically to the lug 119 having its outer or free end rounded and of a. length .greater than the distance between the hub or sleeve 112and the maj or curved/or arcuate edges of the plate 87` so that when the arm or crane A is vertically coplanar Aat either side of the alined posts or standards 1 and 2, the outer or free end portion ofthe arm or lug11'9 willextend within one of the vrecesses 88 or 89, hereinbefore referred to.

Normally, or when the receiving arm or crane A is in an inoperative position,it

disposed away from the trackway in. a direction substantially atri ght angles thereto.

When in this position, the arm or lug 11:9 is arranged within the rear recess 88 in the plate 87. When the lug or arm` 119 is in either of the recesses 88 or 89, the arcuate arms 94.- are disposed at opposite'sides of the arm or crane A in a` general direction substantially at right angles thereto. Hor.'-

ever, during swinging movement Of the arm or lcrane A, the lug` or arm 119. when the samen-passes out of the recess to engage the periphery of the plate 86,`will rock the hub or sleeve 112 and through the. instrumentality of the pulleys93 and 1.13 and the opera- -tive connection therebetween as afforded by the iiexiblemembers or wires116 and .118

will rock the arms 94 toward and from the f' lextremities of the cross head or member 7 9 working or operative position.

preferred that the elongated member or a'rm 100 be locked in its lowered position after the arm'l or crane A has been swung into its .As a train passes, the bag'to be transferred from the train to the arm or crane A is supported thereby in a position whereby` the larger ring 52 will be received upon an end portion ofthe head or member 79 and the force of the impact during this transfer will swing or move the crane or arm A about the post or standard 1 and as the lug or arm 119 swings out of the forward recess 89, theaims 91`will be swung or rocked as hereinbefore described with'the free end portion ofonel ofsaid arms substantially contacting with the extremity-of the portion of the crosshead or `member 79 upon which the ring of the bag is engaged, whereby said bag` is held against displacement. The extent of movement of the yarms 911 will .bring a notch or recess 92 in alinement with the locking or sliding bolt 96 whereupon said bolt will enter intol such recess and positively hold the arms 94@L against .return swinging movement until afterthe arm or. member 100 has been released by the station master or other authorized person, so'that the bag caught by the arm or member A is effectively held'against displacement from the cross head or member i 79 and also against unauthorized removal. However,

vwhen preferred, the arm or member 100 can be'retainedr in its raised position so that when the arm or crane A returns to its normal or inoperative position, the arms 94 upon the inward swinging movement of the armor lug 119 within the-rear recess88 will return to their normal transverse position, as before stated.

V'The arm or crane A is maintained either in its inoperative position or its operative or working position by the catches 120 carried by the upper end portions of the posts or standards 2i.' The catches 120 carried by each post or standard 2 are arranged in pairs and oppositely directed and are pivotally supported by' the coacting posts or standards 2. Tliefcatches are provided with the depending handle members 121 connected by the spring 122 whereby said catches are yieldably held in working position but readily movable to permit the passage of the arm or crane A', or more partirularly the lowermember 8O thereof, therebetween to be heldthereby against swing-` ing movement. l

Depending from the lower member 80 of the arm or crane A between the post or iso mareas standard 1 and the journal rod or shaft 111 and preferably in close proximity to the post or standard 1 is a rod or finger 123 which is adapted to seat within the recess or notch 1.24 provided in the free end of the inwardly directed arm 125 carried by the hoop 126. rlhe hoop 126 surrounds the post or standard 1 and at a point diametrically opposed to the arm 125 has secured thereto an end portion of a retractile member or coil spring 127, the opposite end portion of said member or spring being anchored to a shanlr 12S slidably disposed through the upper end portion of the rear post or standard 2. Threaded upon the shank 128 and coasting with said post or standard 2 is nut 129l which, uponrequisite rotation, operates to regulate the tension of the member or spring127 as the occasions of loractice may necessitate.

.The member or spring 127 operates to draw or swing the arm or crane A., when moved out of engagement with the catches 120 of the forward post or standard 2 under the influence of the impact or blow incident to the transfer of the mailbag from the passing car to the arm or crane A, to its inoperative position or in a position held between the catches 120 carried by the rearpost or standard 2. Vshen the crane or arm his in this last named position, the post or standard 1 will seat within one of the pockets 130 arranged at opposite sides of the arm 125 adjacent its inner end and whereby the hoop 126 is held in such position to assure the proper seating of the depending rod or iinger 123 within the notch or rec-ess 124; of the arm 125 when the arm or crane A, is swung outwardly into its working or operative position.

. ln swinging` the arm or crane A into its operative position, care must be exercised to have the same move in the required direction in order to assure the proper engagement ber tween the depending rod or linger 123 and the arm 125.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a mail bag mechanism constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by lreason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and f modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason l do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

.1 claim:

. 1'. A mail handling mechanism including a station device comprising a standard, a supporting frame rotatably mounted upon the standard, means under control oi an applied mail bag for locking the crane in wort;- ing position and automatically releasing the same when the mail bag is talren therefrom` automatic means for swinging the crane into a second position when the locking means is released, and a bag supporting means carried by the crane. i

i mail handling mechanism including a station device comp-rising a standard7 a supporting crane rotatably mounted upon the standard, means unser control of an applied mail bag for locking the crane in working position and automatically releasing the saine when the mail is taken therefrom, automatic means for swinging the crane into a second position when the locking means is released, a bag supporting means carried by the crane,.and coacting means carried by the standard and the crane for limiting the movement of the crane in opposite directions. y i

3. A mail handling device comprising, in combination, a supporting crane provided with engaging means spaced longitudinally thereof, a mail bag, and rings loosely engaged with the side of the bag at points spaced longitudinally thereof and with which coact the spaced engaging means of the crane.

il. A mail handling device including a supporting crane, a member carried bv the outer end portion of the crane and supprted for rockingmovement about an axis extending substantially longitudinally of the crane, said member being provided with outstanding lingers normally spaced apart in a direction transversely of the crane, a cross member connecting said lingers intermediate their ends, and yield-able means coacting with said rocking member for maintaining the lingers of the rotatable member in their normal position.

mail handling device comprising a standard, a crane rotatably supported thereby, an angularly related arm carried by the crane, a second arm pivotally engaged lwith the lirst named arm and h .ving swinging movement in a direction longitudinally of the crane, bag engaging means carried by said second arm, and an' endwise movable rod carried by the crane and coacting with the standard when the crane is in one position to hold said crane against swinging movement about the standard, said rod and second named arm having coasting means whereby the rod is moved endwise under control of said sec-ond arm.

6. A mail handling device comprising a standard, a crane rotatably supported thereby, an angularly related arm carried by the crane, a second arm pivotally engaged with the first named arm and having swinging movement in a direction longitudinally of the crane, bag engaging means carriedby said second arm, an cndwise movable rod carried by the crane and coacting With the standard when the cran-c is in one position to hold said crane against svi/inging movement about the standard, said rod being loosely directed through the arm and having an enlargement adapted for contact with the outer face of the second arm, and an expansible member coacting with the second named arm and the rod at a point inwardly cf said second named arm. f

7. A mail handling device including a crane and bag Supporting means carried by the crane at points spaced longitudii'ially thereof, one of said means including an arm depending from the crane, a gripping member slidably supported by the arm, and retractible means for normally holding the gripping member against movement in one direction.

8. A mail handling device including a crane and bag supporting meansy carried by the crane at points spaced longitudinally thereof, one of said means including an arm depending from the crane, and provided with an open slot, a collar adapted to be slidably engaged Within the slot, and a gripping memberl slidable through the collar and comprising resilient arms normally in convergence and provided with gripping jaws, the movement of the gripping member iii onedirection through the collar forcing the arms one toward the other, and yieldable means coacting with the gripping member for normally holding the same against movement in the opposite direction.

9. A mail handling device including a crane and bag supporting means carried by the crane at points spaced longitudinally thereof, one of said means including an arm depending from the' crane and provided kwith an open slot, a collar adapted to be slidably engaged Within the slot,'a gripping-,1` member slidable through the collar and comprising resilientk arms normally in con vergence and provided with gripping jaws, the movement of the gripping memberV in one direction through the collar forcing the arms one toward the other, a retractile meniber operatively engaged with the converg ing end portions of the arms of the gripping member, a. flexible member engaged with the retractile member, a guide member carried by the crane and with Which the flexible member engages, and means carried by the crane with which the flexible member is adapted to be engaged whereby the gripping member is normally held against movement through the collar in one direction.

1 0. A mail handling device including a crane and bag supporting` means carried by the crane at points spaced longitudinally thereof, one of saidmeans including an arm depending from the crane and provided with an open slot, a'collar adaptedto be inceste slidabl y engaged vithin the slot, a gripping j 1 u member slioaole lthrough the collar and comprising resilient arms normally in convergence and provided with gripping javvs, the movement of the gripping member in one direction through the collar forcing the arms one toward the other, a retractile mema second arm positioned in advance of the y first named arm, the upper end portions of said varms being pivotally connected, a body carried by the second named arm adjacent the loiver end thereof and in advance of said second named arm, a shank rotatably supported by the body, transversely spaced outstanding lingers carriedl vby the shank, a

cross member connecting said fingers inter-V mediate their ends, an outstanding pin carried by the shank, said body being provided with a slot through which the pin is died, and yieldable means contacting With tie opposite sidesof the pin to normally maintain the fingers of the shank in substantially a horizontal position.

l2. A mail handling device comprising a ine provided with a bag engaging means, id means comprising an upstanding arm rried by the crane adj acent its outer end, a second arm positioned in advance of the first named arm, the upper end portions of said arms being pivotally connected, a body carried by the second named arm adjacent the lower end thereof and in advance of said second named arm, a shank rotatably supported by the body, transversely spaced outstanding lingers carried by the shank, a cross member connecting said lingers intermediate their ends, an `outstanding pin carried by the shank, said body being provided Cit with a slot through which the pin is di` rected, yieldable means contacting With the opposite sides of the pin to normally maine tain the lingers of the shank in substantially a horizontal position, and an outstanding linger carried by the body adjacent thepin to determine the normal position of the lingers of the shank.

i3. A mail `handlingl apparatus comprising, in combination, a supporting crane provided with engaging means spaced longitudinally thereof, and a mail bag provided with engaging means carried by a side of the bag and spaced longitudinally thereof for coaction With the spaced means of the crane. v

14;. A mail handling apparatus compris-- ing, in combination, a supporting crane provided With engaging means spaced longitudinally thereof, and a mail bag provided With engaging means carried by a side of the bag and spaced longitudinally thereof for coaction With the spaced means of the crane, the spaced engaging means carried by the crane being yieldable.

l5. A mail handling device comprising, in combination, a supporting crane provided with engaging means spaced longitudinall thereof, a mail bag, rings loosely engaged With the side of the bag at points spaced longitudinally thereof and With which coact the spaced engaging means of the crane, and a flexible member connecting the rings.

16. A mail handling apparatus comprising, in combination, a supporting crane provided With engaging means spaced longitudinally thereof, a mail bag, hook members carried by a side of the bag at points spaced longitudinally thereof, said hook members facing inwardly, rings engageable with said hook members, and a flexible member connecting the rings, the engaging means of the crane coacting with said rings.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aHiX my signature.

JOHN A. STARR. 

